How the Tories delayed improved rail services for Sevenoaks

Over recent years, Sevenoaks commuters have had a raw deal from the Conservatives.

First, for blocking the transfer of metros services to Transport for London (TfL) two years ago which would have raise service standards and limited fares.

Second, for not including Oyster and smart ticketing to Sevenoaks at the same time as it was extended it to Swanley and Dartford.

We agree with the Sevenoaks Rail Travellers Association that Southeastern compares badly against TfL on many measures.

In the Which? survey published in February Southeastern were the second worst Train Operating Company, and only just above Thameslink. TfL do much better, despite having to contend with some of the problems of high demand in the London area and of Victorian infrastructure that Southeastern and others plead in their defence.

TfL are way ahead with innovation, such as on fares and ticketing. For instance Southeastern show no enthusiasm to co-operate in the extension of Oyster to the Sevenoaks area and the Darent Valley - to get Oyster to Dartford and Swanley, the DFT had to make it a condition of the franchise.

Alan Bullion, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Sevenoaks and Swanley

action@sevenoakslibdems.org.uk